event-wrapup
22 Jan 2026
I hosted the Northern Roots Forum 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia. The regenerative agriculture focus was refreshing compared to typical business conferences, and it pushed me to engage with genuinely unfamiliar material.
The main narrative that stuck with me came from an exchange with Dr. Harriet Mella regarding crop health. When I asked her what single practice would be most beneficial, she replied: “Ask someone to show you your blind spot.” Rather than tactical advice about soil or nutrients, the answer was about gaining fresh perspective through collaboration.
I connected this agricultural wisdom to combat leadership principles — specifically the law of Detach: Step back, relax & look around. Whether you are managing crops, emails, or team dynamics, retreating from the immediate pressure to assess the bigger picture is always valuable.
The recommendation for farmers and leaders alike: build peer relationships, create space for honest feedback, and schedule regular reviews of your commitments. Demonstrating leadership extends well beyond the human context.
